While Georgia is renowned for its delicious peaches and Vidalia onions, its rich historical, cultural, and natural legacies make it a fascinating state for travelers. The Peach State experiences all four seasons, but its temperate climate means that outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed all year round without harsh extremes. Whether you want to canoe through wild swamplands or dance the night away at a hip club in the city, Georgia's got it all.
One of the original 13 colonies in the United States, Georgia was founded by the British in 1733. It was started as a buffer zone between British territories in South Carolina, and Spanish territories in Florida. The state's first city, Savannah, remains a thriving port and still charms visitors with its Old South feel. During the Civil War, battles raged throughout the state, leaving numerous historic sites. Freed slaves settled on Georgia's barrier islands, where they kept many of their customs, including Gullah, a creole language mixing elements of English and several West African languages. This vibrant culture lives on in the Hog Hammock community. In the 20th century, Martin Luther King, Jr. spearheaded the Civil Rights movement. Many notable people hail from Georgia, including political figures, musicians, authors, and entertainers.
Of Georgia's nearly 8.6 million residents, 4.4 million live in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Atlanta is also a magnet for international trade, and many major U.S. companies have their headquarters in Georgia. World-wide, Georgia is among the top producers of carpeting, kaolin (fine, white clay used for manufacturing porcelain), chicken, and watermelon. The state's biggest industries include automotive, agriculture, food processing, tourism, life sciences, high technology, metal fabrication, and plastics.
Georgia's varied geography provides a variety of travel opportunities. The coastal area includes beaches, the "Golden Isles", marshlands, and the Okefenokee Swamp. Nature preserves allow visitors to explore native flora and fauna in unspoiled surroundings. Birding, fishing, and sea kayaking are popular coastal activities. Even scuba diving is a possibility at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. But, you don't need to rough it with world-class resorts and spas within reach.
The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch down into Georgia, where the Appalachian Trail begins its 2,160 mile route to Maine. Those who don't want to hike can try mountain biking, river tubing, or a trip to one of the area's many waterfalls. A few attractions you'll find in the region include the alpine village of Helen (with a rollicking Oktoberfest every year), the Kangaroo Conservation Center (yes, it actually has kangaroos, along with other Australian plants and animals), wineries, and a folk pottery museum.
Elsewhere in Georgia, gentle rolling hills and abundant lakes offer plenty of recreational activities, such as camping, horseback riding, and golfing. Golf courses are especially well-known in the east-central region of Georgia, and Augusta is home to the Masters Golf Tournament. In the heartland south of Atlanta, bison, bobcats, and other wildlife and farm animals inhabit the Dauset Trails Nature Center.
More cultural pursuits abound, too. Cities like Atlanta and Athens support museums, theaters, and live music venues. Film buffs may want to pay a visit to the birthplace of Oliver Hardy in the town of Harlem. Antique stores, quaint shops, and boutiques will satisfy the urge to shop. Or, step back into time at a restored plantation. For family fun, visit one of Georgia's water parks or theme parks.
With all Georgia has to offer, you may have difficulty choosing what to do first. But, whether your dream vacation includes a romantic stroll beneath moss-draped trees or, a look at some of the world's smallest cars, you'll find it in Georgia.
